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Midwest => Michigan Renaissance Festival => Topic started by: cincivulcan on February 22, 2013, 03:10:46 PM

Title: New to Michigan
Post by: cincivulcan on February 22, 2013, 03:10:46 PM
My family and I take a vacation to a renfest each year. This year, I'm trying to talk my dad into going to Michigan over Maryland. Has anyone been to both fests and preferred one over the other?? Also, what is the best town to stay in? I've looked at Flint and another "f" town that was close to Holly (can't remember the name now) Any local food suggestions or things to do??
Thanks!
-T-
Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: Wickedvox on February 22, 2013, 04:46:26 PM
Welcome T! I've never been to Maryland's RF, but ours is a great faire. We have entertaining acts (they just brought back Zoltan the Adequate 2 years ago and he's hysterical), lots of shopping, theme weekends, and welcoming patrons. Probably the town you looked at was Fenton. I'm not sure if you're camping or staying in a hotel, but that whole area is low-lying, so it can get kind of swampy and humid--keep that in mind when choosing a camp site if that's your thing. It can also get buggy if camping, but not at the RF site itself. Fenton is a cute little town, Grand Blanc is too; they're both kind of...quaint. Not so urban. Here's a link to an accomodations thread from a couple years ago: lhttp://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php/topic,15218.0.html (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php/topic,15218.0.html) Double check the info because it's not current. Flidais is our Michigan moderator, so if you see her in chat, she's the one to ask.

Of course you have to see Tartanic--that's a given. But we've had a couple of new acts the past couple years. Stone Clover is a great musical act--they're a new favorite of mine. The Bawdy Boys. The staples--Washing Well Wenches, Ded Bob, the mud show, the joust. Flight of the Raptor is a *phenomenal* show with birds of prey. Ugh! All this reminiscing is making me miss Ren! Hope to see you there!
Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: cincivulcan on February 22, 2013, 05:35:19 PM
Thanks Wickedvox!! Fenton was the place so I will look into Grand Blanc!! We are staying in a hotel and I'm a big fan of Tartanic. We saw them in Texas a couple years back. Any weekend looking extra awesome this year??
Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: StareNorthSteve on February 25, 2013, 01:11:09 PM
I am a veteran of Ohio Ren Fest and was new to Michigan just 2 years ago. In short...awesome! ORF is a bigger property but, the village in Michigan is just packed with character...both in the architecture of the village and the people. Entertainment is great, the variety of shops is great...and the food and drink is geared for a good time.

I would recommend the Holiday In Express in Grand Blanc...it's just up the road...maybe 5 minutes away.

Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: Wickedvox on February 25, 2013, 06:36:27 PM
They haven't announced the theme weekends, but usually there's a Royal Pet Festival which is fun because there's a pet/owner costume contest; Highland weekend has the caper tossing, kilt contest, etc; Pirate weekend--standard pirate-ness; Wonders of the World highlights belly dancing, food, etc; Sweet Endings has cupcakes, chocolate, vow renewal (but I think that's every weekend). Almost every weekend has wine tasting. Pretty much you can't go wrong, but it depends what theme you identify with most: Pirates, Scottish/Irish, etc.
Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: max and kate on February 25, 2013, 09:55:10 PM
You can't go wrong either way, the grounds, entertainment, shows and shopping is great at both, lots of food choices too. Our home faire is Michigan, we have been to Maryland and will return some day. you will have a Great time with either of these faire's. 
Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: cincivulcan on February 27, 2013, 07:29:34 AM
Thanks everyone!! I hope I can talk my family into going :D
Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: max and kate on March 01, 2013, 12:22:10 AM
Good Luck. :)
Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: Village Idiots - Kevin on March 03, 2013, 10:53:31 PM
The Village Idiots perform at both every year. The Maryland faire is INCRECIBLE, but the Michigan faire is quite nice. Lots of entertainment that aren't at the Maryland faire (Washing Well Wenches, Ded Bob, Christophe the Insultor, Stone Clover, Bawdy Boys to name a few), plus obviously the Village Idiots (cheap plug). The festival is quite large, and the cast is great.
Title: Re: New to Michigan
Post by: Wickedvox on March 10, 2013, 06:28:40 PM
You guys are making me want to go to the Maryland faire!   :o